… and now we’re back to give you a First Look at the brand new Ample Hills Creamery on Disney’s Boardwalk!

Just a few days ago, the walls came down around the newest ice cream parlor in Disney World and we were able to steal a glimpse of the spot located right next door to the ESPN Club. But now Ample Hills Creamery is currently in soft openings, and we were able to pop in for what we’ve all been waiting for… ICE CREAM!!

First, though, just a note that soft openings are like a “dress rehearsal” for new eateries and attractions around Disney World. This means that there are no guarantees that the spot will be operating at any given time, and — in the case of restaurants — the menu may not be finalized, or certain ingredients may not be available until everything is official. In the case of Ample Hills Creamery, the anticipated official opening will take place on May 15th.

Cast Members preparing for today’s Soft Opening

But we just couldn’t wait any longer to get a taste for ourselves so we could bring it to YOU… so welcome to the first Ample Hills Creamery location outside of New York State, right here in Disney World! [Read more…]

Well, if you’re bummed that Seashore Sweets has closed, removing your option for ice cream on Disney’s BoardWalk in Walt Disney World, then you may want to pay attention to this… umm, scoop.

Seashore Sweets

According to the folks at wdwmagic.com, it seems that Ample Hills Creamery products might be served in a new ice cream shop coming to the former location of the ESPN Club Arcade (the ESPN Club is still open, but the arcade section has been closed). [Read more…]

Of course you do! I mean, really… who doesn’t? But where can a Disneyland guest score some, since they’re not showing up on any menus these days? Well, just like days of yore, you CAN still grab them — at least for now — at The Golden Horseshoe.

The Golden Horseshoe

You see, all the components of the ice cream nachos are still in the house: mint chocolate chip, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream along with hot fudge, strawberry sauce, chocolate chips, whipped cream and cherries served together on a bed of waffle “chips”… all courtesy of the three Waffle Cup Sundaes that remain on the everyday menu. [Read more…]

From the moment the doors opened two years ago in the former spot of Boulangerie Patisserie in the France Pavilion, it was clear L’Artisan des Glaces was not your typical ice cream stop.

The Boulangerie relocated to a larger space, and L’Artisan des Glaces began to carve its own unique niche in the Disney dining scene almost immediately upon its debut.

So, what made the arrival of this little shop so special?

First of all, every single one of the 16 flavors of ice cream and sorbet was — and still is — made in-house.

L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion

Opening Day L’Artisan des Glaces Flavors

L’artisan des Glaces ice cream case

And second? The shop began to introduce some incredible and unique ice cream confections that we’d never seen the likes of before in Walt Disney World!

As we wish L’Artisan a huge Happy Birthday and Bon Anniversaire, we wanted to take a peek at just a few of these creations that are now a part of the eating scene in Epcot!

Ice Cream Martinis

Thanks to the addition of L’Artisan, Epcot guests 21 and over suddenly had the option of pairing their ice cream flavor of choice with…BOOZE! Grand Marnier, Clement Rhum from Martinique, or Whipped Cream flavored Vodka could be added to create their own gorgeous Ice Cream Martini.

Ice Cream Martini

Between this and the rich, creamy homemade ice cream, L’Artisan started earning its terrific reputation from the get-go. Refusing, however, to rest on their laurels, the ice cream artists have continued to change things up and crank out surprises year-round.

Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches

Additional treats began to appear later in 2013, starting with the Chocolate Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich. This decadent snack is a scoop of chocolate ice cream sandwiched inside a large, crisp-on-the-outside, chewy on the inside chocolate macaron cookie.

Chocolate Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich

While you can still get the Chocolate Macaron Ice Cream sandwich any time of year, new versions of this treat began [Read more…]

You may be dedicated to your favorite flavor or enjoy trying something new each time, such as the ever-changing seasonal macaron sandwiches.

Me? I’ve just gotta try their newest flavor whenever I’m in Epcot’s France, because they never seem to disappoint with the latest ice cream creation.

L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion

Menu at L’Artisan des Glaces

The most recent addition of Lemon with Crispy Meringue Ice Cream presented a bit of a conundrum for me, though (even if I can never argue with an Ice Cream Mickey!).

Lemon with Crispy Meringue Ice Cream

If you’ve been reading the DFB for a while, then you probably know how much I seriously love all things lemon, so I was pretty pumped about the lemon ice cream. On the flip side, you may also know that I don’t care for [Read more…]

Strawberries and Cream Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich

If you don’t call Florida home, then you may not be aware that January ushers in a very important and exciting time: it’s the beginning of Florida Strawberry Season!

You’ll find bumper crops of strawberries in Florida markets this time of year. And if you visit Disney World from January to May, you’ll probably notice lots of strawberries on the menus in your favorite restaurants.

But surely, L’Artisan des Glaces is offering one of the most enticing examples of a strawberry special in all the World — the Strawberries and Cream Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich.

Strawberries and Cream Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich

To make the sweet little treat, they layer scoops of the housemade Vanilla Ice Cream and Strawberry Sorbet between layers of pink Strawberry Macarons. Looks awesome, right?

If you love strawberries as much as we do, I’m pretty sure you’re going to love this latest L’Artisan des Glaces seasonal creation.

It’s been a while since we’ve visited Beaches and Cream “officially” here at the DFB. What I mean is, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop is one of the few spots I frequent almost every time I visit Disney World, but its been a while since I shared some of the goodness with you here on the blog.

We’re fixing that today with a little (well, actually a LOT of) lunch at everyone’s favorite soda shop, and checking out some of the options from the updated menu while we’re at it.

Ready to go? Let’s head to the middle of the Yacht and Beach Club resorts, right next to Stormalong Bay, and settle in…

Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Atmosphere

I’m not the only one who loves Beaches and Cream — not by a long shot. Over the years this little spot has become one of the most popular resort restaurants in Disney World… and I do mean “little.” Those arriving for their first visit might be struck by how small it is in comparison with most Disney World restaurants.

And, remember, speaking of small, the restaurant now offers advance dining reservations…which are recommended. While the to-go section is still open, and seats at the counter are easier to come by than tables when you’re a walk-up guest, ADRs are often necessary even during the slow seasons these days.

Beaches and Cream Dining Room

Once inside, you’ll see that the decor is bright and cheerful, with soft pastels making up most of the color scheme, and mirrors to “open up” the space a bit.

You may have seen our review of the new Vanilla Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich, but we just had to make it back right away to taste their brand new flavor. Take a deep breath, ‘cuz this one is a mouthful: Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch Ice Cream.

And it’s good to be back so soon for another visit, because let’s face it – if there’s a list of places at Disney World that merit more than one trip during your vacation, L’Artisan des Glaces deserves to be on it.

That case full of 16 homemade flavors of ice cream and sorbet just doesn’t disappoint.

L’Artisan des Glaces ice cream case

Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch in the case

There are so many words in the name “Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch,” it barely fits on the menu!

Flavor Menu

Menu close-up

Fortunately, the Cast Member knew exactly what I was going for when I said, “May I have one scoop in a cup of the… um, Caramel, Cinnamon… uhh, Crumble … stuff? Please?”

Smooth. As. Silk.

So, with that little tongue-twister out of the way, it was time to give it a try.

A cup of Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch

The name, of course, is a full description of a very full-flavored ice cream. You can immediately see the [Read more…]